John B Fairfax finishes career in newspapers

Newspaper and media identity, John B Fairfax, to retire as director of company.

John, who has spent almost 50 years associated with the company and Rural Press, which merged with Fairfax, announced that he would retire from the Board at the end of his present term, and not seek re-election at the company’s 2010 Annual General Meeting.

“I would turn 70 during the course of my next term if I was re-elected and after almost 50 years … it is advantageous for the governance of the company to continue with its board reinvigoration programme at a time of positive strategic changes,” he said.

John will contribute to the board for “the next few months”. “[I] am confident that I will leave the company in good hands at the end of my term,” he said.

During his time with the company, John has worked as a journalist, executive and director. Chairman of Fairfax Media Limited, Roger Corbett, said that Jon brought a wealth of knowledge to the company.

“We understand and accept John’s decision to retire from the Board; however, we will miss him, his experience and wisdom,” he said.

John’s departure comes at a time when the media landscape is changing greatly, particularly with warnings that newspapers are under threat. Last week, Brendan Hopkins, CEO of rival print media company, APN News and Media, said that he would be leaving the company.